Th Saudi authorities issued a decree last week sanctioning women in the Kingdom to start their own businesses freely benefitting from all government services without the consent of a male guardian, whether a husband, brother or father. The decision comes as part of the ‘No Need’ initiative launched by the ministry of commerce and investment within the framework of the ambitious Vision 2030 aimed at opening a new era in the empowerment of Saudi women through work and improve the Kingdom’s image abroad. According to L’Orient Le Jour newspaper, said vision hopes to increase participation of women in the workforce from 22% to over 30% by the year 2030. On the other hand, the Saudi Customs Authority disclosed on February 12th that it has received some 107 applications for 140 vacancies open for women in the airports and border crossing points. To recall, the new decree came after previous decisions that allowed women to drive, enter football stadiums, be hired at the justice ministry and the public prosecution. (L’Orient Le Jour, February 19, 2018)